IDYORA
Before You Start
No chilli heat
This recipe contains no chilli and is naturally mild.
35 mins in total
27 mins hands-on (chopping and cooking), 8 mins hands-off.
Contains: Milk (dairy), Tree nuts
Vegetarian · contains dairy. We check for milk, gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, mustard, sesame and celery. Always check your own labels, especially for asafoetida (hing), which often contains wheat.
Ingredients
For the Rabri
For the Garnish
Can't Find Something?
- 1 cup puffed lotus seeds instead of 1 cup makhana. This is the standard name for makhana found in most health food aisles.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter instead of 1 tbsp ghee. Butter works well for roasting, though ghee provides a richer, nuttier flavour.
Make It a Meal
Serve warm or chilled as a comforting dessert or a sweet breakfast bowl.
Serve this warm or chilled in small bowls as a nourishing dessert or snack.
Good to Know
Nutrition values are approximate, per serving. IDYORA shares general wellness information — not medical advice.
Step by Step Instructions
-
Roast the Makhana
Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add 1 cup makhana and roast for about 5 minutes until they turn crisp and light golden. Once done, remove them from the pan and crush them coarsely using the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle.
Done when: The makhana should feel brittle and snap easily when pressed; do not let them turn dark brown or burnt in the ghee.
8 mins hands-on
-
Simmer the Milk
Pour 2 cups milk into the same pan and bring it to a gentle boil on medium-low heat. Once bubbling, add the crushed makhana and stir for about 5 minutes. The milk should look slightly frothy and the makhana will begin to soften as they absorb the liquid.
Done when: The milk begins to thicken as the makhana absorbs the liquid; avoid high heat which can scorch the bottom of the pan.
7 mins hands-on
-
Flavor and Thicken
Continue to simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it does not stick. Once the milk has reduced and the mixture coats the back of a spoon, stir in 1 tsp cardamom powder until fully incorporated and fragrant.
Done when: The mixture should look like a thick custard that coats the back of your spoon; if it is too runny, keep simmering for a few more minutes.
12 mins hands-on
-
Assemble and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Gently fold in the 2 sliced medium bananas. Ladle the rabri into bowls and garnish with 1 tbsp chopped almonds, 1 tbsp chopped cashews, and 1 tbsp raisins.
Done when: The banana slices should stay firm and not turn to mush; ensure the mixture has cooled slightly so the fruit retains its texture.
8 mins hands-off
Made it? Rate it
Be the first to rate it
Why It's Good for You
This Banana-Makhana Rabri is a wholesome way to enjoy traditional flavors. Bananas are a source of potassium, a vital mineral that supports heart health by helping to maintain a healthy balance of water in cells1. They are also a source of fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious fruit choice1.
- Makhana, or fox nuts, are a traditional aquatic plant used in Ayurveda2,3. They are a source of protein and carbohydrates and are low in fat3. Research indicates that makhana contains various minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and provides amino acids like glutamic acid and leucine2.
- By using makhana to thicken the milk, this recipe adds a satisfying texture while incorporating these plant-based nutrients into your diet3. The addition of nuts like almonds and cashews further enhances the nutritional profile with healthy fats and additional minerals4. Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced diet, and if you have specific dietary concerns, please plan any significant changes to your routine with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Sources
4
- Bananas • The Nutrition SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2018
- Biochemical Components of Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb) and its Relevance to Anti-obesity Effect in Humanexa.ai, 2022
- Optimization and Storage Study of Rabri Enriched with Date Syrup and Makhanaexa.ai, 2022
- How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk? - PMCUS National Institutes of Health
